Brentwood, Tenn - With the 2025 season on the horizon, Tennessee State University football has landed six student-athletes on the OVC/Big South Football Association's Preseason Players to Watch Lists, announced by the league earlier this week. In a vote of the OVC-Big South Football Association head coaches, TSU was picked to finish eighth in the annual predicted order of finish.

Tennessee Tech picked up five of the nine first-place votes and 57 points to claim the top spot. That was one point ahead of UT Martin, who received two first-place votes and 56 points. The Skyhawks have won or shared four-straight league football crowns (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024). Southeast Missouri, who also shared the Association title last year, picked up the other two first-place votes and 53 points and was tabbed third. Lindenwood rounded out the top four with 39 votes, while Western Illinois (30), Eastern Illinois (24), Gardner-Webb (24), Tennessee State (23) and Charleston Southern (18) concluded the nine-team poll.

The Association's head coaches also voted Lindenwood running back Steve Hall as the Preseason Offensive Player of the Year while Skyhawk cornerback JaMichael McGoy, Jr. was tabbed as the Preseason Defensive Player of the Year.

Offensive Players to Watch

On the offensive side, Delanie "Juice" Majors, a junior wide receiver, earned a spot on the Preseason Wide Receiver Watch List. In his first season, Majors tallied 15 receptions for 149 yards and a touchdown.

Joining him is junior tight end Jason Hoath Jr., recognized for his consistency in blocking and receiving. Hoath notched 86 yards on nine receptions in 2024.

Graduate offensive lineman Anthony Smith rounds out the offensive selections. A key veteran up front, Smith brings leadership and physicality to TSU's offensive line, anchoring a unit that looks to control the trenches throughout the season.

Defensive & Special Teams Players to Watch

On defense, Sammy Taylor, a redshirt sophomore linebacker, made the Preseason Linebacker Watch List. Taylor returns after a strong sophomore campaign, with 15 solo tackles in the 2024 season.

In the secondary, redshirt sophomore Camani Cobbs was named to the Defensive Back Watch List. Known for his coverage instincts and physical play, Cobbs is expected to be a cornerstone of the Tigers' pass defense.

On special teams, Mark Shenouda earned preseason honors as a punter. The redshirt sophomore punted for 1,608 yards, eight of which were inside the 20 in the 2024 season.

These recognitions highlight the talent and depth across the Tennessee State roster as the Tigers gear up for the 2025 season opener on Saturday, August 30. TSU is preparing to make a statement in its third season as part of the OVC-Big South Football Association under the direction of head coach Reggie Barlow.

2025 OVC-Big South Predicted Order of Finish
1.  Tennessee Tech (5 first-place votes) - 57 points
2.  UT Martin (2) - 56
3.  Southeast Missouri (2) - 53
4.  Lindenwood - 39
5.  Western Illinois - 30
6.  Eastern Illinois - 24
7.  Gardner-Webb - 24
8.  Tennessee State - 23
9.  Charleston Southern - 18

Preseason Offensive Player of the Year
Steve Hall (RB, So.), Lindenwood

Preseason Defensive Player of the Year
JaMichael McGoy, Jr. (CB, R-Sr.), UT Martin

TSU opens the season on August 30th, hosting North Carolina A&T at the Nissan Stadium. Fans can purchase their season tickets for a loaded eight-game home slate at www.tsutigers.com/tickets.